Whiteghyll at Thirsk Races
Saturday August 1st 2009
This year 109 merry souls set off for Herriot country and the journey North up the A1 on Saturday August 1st for Thirsk races. Our girls and boys really did scrub up well and were dressed for the occasion. The bash was an open invitation to all members of staff along with a guest of their choice to have a day out on the company. With the skies threatening there was of course the awful dilemma faced by the ladies on what to wear as downpours were forecast for later in the day. Within the race course grounds we were situated in a lovely spacious room called the Manton Suite, overlooking the parade ring.
A party atmosphere followed the dignified start to the day once our workforce and guests found their feet, which ultimately led them towards the free bar and the fantastic buffet to help soak up some of the alcohol. Although nobody went home “shirtless,” the bookies clearly raked in the well earned cash of our troops.
At the end of the last race the bar was closed for 10 minutes whilst a presentation of the raffle prizes were presented to the lucky winners of the various competitions held throughout the afternoon. Following the prize presentations, John Owen delivered a big thank you to the staff members and their partners for the dedication and the fantastic effort that they have all provided to the company during the difficult times experienced this year. He stated that all should feel very proud of the manufacturing achievements to date and that the Whiteghyll staff are a credit to the organisation.
The day ended with everyone getting slightly worse for wear as the dreaded drink took its toll. The people on Bus one quickly returned to the bar in Bradford, thankful to the Flying Express having a toilet on board. Unfortunately the other two buses proceeded to take the scenic route home with many stops along the way. It is fair to say that a great day was had by all.
